THE MEDICINE OF MUSIC

SONGS OF LOVE: THE MEDICINE OF MUSIC

"Songs of love are really what we need to take away our fear."

JULIO Beltzer (1959-1984).

Walking down the street in early 1996, an idea suddenly came to John Beltzer, an accomplished singer/songwriter, that would deeply touch many lives. As a way of providing sick children with a source of inspiration, joy, and possibly even healing, he set out to create personalized one-of-a-kind songs for them. John quickly got busy gathering a team of songwriters and performers from across the country to compose and record the unique songs. The Songs of Love Foundation, the only nonprofit organization of its kind, was founded shortly afterwards, and to date has recruited a group of over 350 talented artists nationwide. Collaborating with over 300 hospitals, private health-care institutions, and with various individual families, they have produced intimate musical portraits(which are never duplicated) for thousands of children and teens. As word gets out about the high quality of their work, more and more requests for special songs keep coming into the Songs of Love office. However, the mission always remains the same: keep giving encouragement and love to those who need it most through the medicine of music.

A LETTER FROM JOHN:

Dear Friends, The very first 'Song of Love' I ever wrote was for 5-year-old Brittany who had cancer. Her mother put her on the phone, and with the cutest little voice she simply said, "Thank you for my song". After that defining moment, there was no turning back! Since its inception in February of 1996, Songs of Love has produced thousands of songs for more than 300 hospitals across the United States. The pool of artists has grown to over 350 songwriters, singers and instrumentalists who have experienced the excitement of being able to give back with the talents they have been given. When you take into account that entire choruses from schools, businesses and organizations have participated in the recording of these special compositions, many thousands have contributed to this ongoing project! We are proud to say that we have the capabilities of honoring song requests in any language. We believe that there is no stronger way to bring smiles to the faces of sick children than to honor them in their very own song. Children typically tend to play the tapes over and over again. They cannot believe they hear their names and all the things they like mentioned in the songs. The enthusiasm, beauty, and spirit reflected in each song also touches the lives of family members, friends, hospital staff, and soon everyone finds themselves singing along with the music. An article in In Touch, a health magazine, stated that "young patients endure invasive procedures without anesthetics thanks to the comfort their songs provide." The ongoing therapeutic value of each composition deeply affects not only the child, but everyone else who has been affected by the patient's struggle with illness. The songs move beyond one event, and capture the beauty and spirit of each child as they provide lasting joy and encouragement. Songs of Love is dedicated to the memory of my twin brother Julio Beltzer. He wrote and recorded the composition 'Songs of Love' just two months before he died on April 12, 1984. This was his gift to all of us. Songs of Love relies upon the generosity of the public for its funding. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Thank you so much for your support and we welcome you as a member of our symphony. A Big Hug, John Beltzer President Songs of Love Foundation

Some recent Songs of Love news:

Songs of Love Releases Its First Nationally Distributed CD Featuring Top Country Artists! Songs of Love is proud to announce the CD release "The Medicine of Music Country Compilation, Vol. 1". It's available now at Borders, K-Mart and Walmart. It can also be purchased from this web site. This special compilation features hit songs by country artists like Leann Rimes, Vince Gill, George Strait and many others! There is also a 'Song of Love' called "Destiny's Song", written for 11-year-old Destiny Dyer who is battling a rare bone disease. The song is written by Anita Cochran, Tammy Cochran, Deborah Allen and Songs of Love staff writer, Carl Allocco. A first ever 'Songs of Love' video for Destiny's Song has also been produced. A portion from the sale of the CD will go directly to Songs of Love and its mission of music. The video is currently being played on the cable channel GAC (Great American Country). John Alexander, Director of Music Marketing for GAC, spearheaded the project out of Nashville. Songs of Love appreciates his amazing efforts! Click here to listen to a sample of 'Destiny's Song,' to see the video or to buy the CD!,

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Songs of Love on CBS 60 Minutes Wednesday with Dan Rather! On Wednesday, June 29, the Songs of Love Foundation was featured on the CBS/60 Minutes Wednesday with Dan Rather anchoring the segment. It features several children and their families as they experience hearing their "Songs of Love" for the first time. Dan Rather also touches upon John Beltzer's personal story and experiences that would eventually lead to the creation of Songs of Love.

TO VIEW A VIDEO OF THIS AMAZING ORGANIZATION CHECK OUT THEIR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AT http://www.youtube.com/songsoflovefdn . Don't forget to add the "fdn" to find the video if the link doesn't work. Add your comments on the site to help attract more visitors. Tell everyone you know to visit Songs of Love. Make it your mission. It's the 'medicine of music'.

For more detailed information about this amazing nonprofit, visit www.songsoflove.org AND THANK THEM FOR THEIR SPECIAL WORK ON BEHALF OF KIDS EVERYWHERE. Tell them EVAN THE WARRIOR sent you!

TO MEET EVAN'S SONGWRITER AND DOWNLOAD HIS SPECIAL SONG, PLEASE SEE THE OMEGA DIFFERENCE ARTICLE, WHICH FOLLOWS.